ROCKFORD (WREX) – Roosevelt Community Education Center is a place where students who can’t find success in a traditional classroom turn to for help. The non-traditional school is chosen by students who for whatever reason are off track for graduation, and need help finding their path.

“We work with some challenged and challenging students, many would be considered at risk,” says Principal Morgan Gallagher. “Regardless of the reason students come to us…it’s not because they’re bad students all of our students are good students.”

So far this year, staff says there’s a lot to celebrate. Students account for just .8% of the entire RPS 205 disciplinary referrals. The percentage of students gaining more than one grade level in reading is 65%. And attendance is at an all time high at just over 91%. Teachers says the non-traditional base and small class size allows them to be flexible with their learning plans and cater to students on a more one on one level.

“For us to be able to meet them where they’re at it’s fantastic because they’re invested into learning and what they’re doing,” says teacher Matt Pyfer.

And students say the bond they have with other students and staff is unlike what they’ve experienced at other schools, and makes them want to be here.

“I feel like all the teachers here are family oriented toward the students here,” says student Pablo Ureta.

“Other students look at you as family too,” says student Andreas Thompson. “Some don’t have family at home, they come to be around their school family that makes them happy.

“I slipped up and messed up a lot but I’m here now and this school taught me, pushes me to go further than I can,” says Stevie Thomas. “This school brings positivity to my life and change how I act around people and being more professional.”